The Bridewell Palace was built for Henry VIII in 1515-1520. It stood on the banks of the Fleet River, and was named for a well nearby dedicated to St Bride . The papal delegation had preliminary meetings here in 1528 to discuss the King's divorce from Catherine of Aragon.

In 1553 Edward VI gave over the palace to the City of London for the housing of homeless children and for the punishment of disorderly women. The City took full possession in 1556 and turned the palace into a prison, hospital and workrooms.

Most of the palace was destroyed in the Great Fire of London, and rebuilt in 1666-1667. In 1700 it became the first prison to appoint medical staff (a doctor). The prison was closed in 1855, and the buildings destroyed.

The main site of the palace is now occupied by the Unilever Building (built 1931).